Mohammad Hanief
Bangus Valley is the most pristine offbeat place in Kashmir. Situated towards the Kupwara district of Kashmir, this lush meadow valley is famous for its serene and raw landscape which mostly is dominated by grassy and wavy meadows along the famous river Mawri.
This valley is lately becoming a tourist attraction as the place makes you feel in the sheer gorgeous landscape of Kashmir. In this valley, you are transported into a different world, free from any crowd, any glimpse of modern structures, and a scanty population. This is the least explored region of Kashmir and hence least exploited by the tourist crowd. The meadows here are situated at an altitude of around 10,000ft and are around 128km from Srinagar.
This valley of Kashmir has two meadows one is called Big Bangus and another small Bangus. The meadows of this valley are surrounded by the towering mountains of Chowkibal, Qazinag, and Shamsbery. The entire area falls in the Trans-Himalaya.
Both the valleys have level green meadows surrounded by low-lying mountains covered with dense Coniferous forests (budloo) and a stream flowing through them.
The beautiful valley of Kashmir harbors a diversity of medicinal plants that have been used in traditional health care systems for thousands of years. This knowledge, transmitted by oral tradition from generation to generation, has been eroding in recent decades due to rapid cultural change.
An ethno botanical survey was carried out in different forests around the Bungus Valley during 2014-16.
Field surveys were conducted during the different seasons to collect the data about the knowledge and practice of using wild plant species by local people. The data collected reveals that about 30 plant species belonging to 18 families found use in day to day life.
The meadows and slopes of Bungus are enveloped in flowers and medicinal plants such as Macrotima Benthami (gaw zaban), Saussurea Sacra (jugi padshah), and Aconitum Heterophylleum (patrees). Recently a new species of flowering medicinal plant `Swertia Kashmirensis’ has been discovered in Bungus and scientists are calling it a breakthrough event.
The fauna in Bungus includes musk deer, antelope, snow leopards, brown and black bears, monkeys, and red foxes. The bird species include pheasants, tragopan, black partridge, bush quail, and wildfowl.
The Bungus Mela, which takes place every year in the Bungus valley, is a celebration of tradition, culture, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. As the festival unfolds, it serves as a platform for showcasing the diverse cultural tapestry of Kashmir. Traditional music, dance performances, and folk art exhibitions provide visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions and customs of the region.
Visitors can soak in the serenity of nature while exploring the vibrant bazaars, indulging in local cuisine, and participating in various traditional activities. The festival offers thrilling activities such as trekking, mountaineering, and horseback riding, allowing visitors to discover the valley’s hidden treasures.
Bungus Mela plays an important role in preserving and promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage. The festival showcases ancient art forms, traditional handicrafts, and culinary delights, ensuring that Kashmir’s heritage is treasured and passed down to future generations.
From the majestic Bungus Valley to the spirited cultural performances, Bungus Mela is an unforgettable celebration that will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the wonders of Kashmir.
Bungus Valley, with its breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit, is a destination that should be on every traveller’s tour plan in Kashmir. Bungus Valley provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking solitude in nature, thrilling adventures, or immersion in Kashmir’s rich cultural traditions.
The less explored Bungus valley is as beautiful as Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Gulmarg. Experts say that Asia’s biggest golf course can be made at the place which has green meadows spread over hundreds of canals. With its scenic beauty, sloppy topography, grassland with flora, streams flowing with trout fish, the Bungus Valley has a great prospect of ecotourism. The place has a great potential to become an international tourist spot.
Apart from the increased footfall of tourists, small business units have come up in the nearest places. Existing markets are witnessing a rush with an increase in demand for different things from trekkers, hikers, night camping, tourists, and those visiting Bungus for a day of sightseeing.
Tourists expressed their happiness, thrill, and excitement about Bungus. Place offers a lot to the eyes and satisfaction level to an individual. The beauty of Bungus is a comfort to the eyes. People leave very relaxed. With an increasing number of visitors the adjoining and nearest marketplaces are also witnessing a new dawn. People are coming in numbers and prefer to buy eatables and other materials from here only. Every fresh item is available and it excites them to serve the tourists.
Apart from the markets, small business establishments have also come up on the roadsides serving different delicious like Noon Chai, snacks, chips, and many other fast food options.
Bangus Valley certainly lives up to its status of being the most beautiful place in Kashmir Valley. The canyon’s beauty stays as paradisiacal as it is throughout the year. But to enjoy the view without getting stuck or risking life, it is best to be visited from April to October as the greenery is at its best and the whole valley is blooming with new life.
One of Kashmir’s best-kept secrets is the gorgeous valley of Bangus, which is tucked away in the Kupwara district of the northern area of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Bangus, which was formerly a region rife with strife, is today renowned for its lush foliage and luxuriant vegetation together with its spectacular picturesque natural beauty.
All year long, everyone visiting valley will be able to take in its splendour. The valley changes with the seasons, taking on new hues and tones, reaching its height of lush vegetation from April to September. The weather is also often favorable for travel during these months. The valley is covered in a blanket of white during the winter, making it a winter wonderland for all explorers during the months of rather severe weather.
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